Safe Schools Consultant (Education Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This will give children, students, and families a strong foundation for success. This Department is a perfect fit for those who want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

The Student Service and Equity Branch is dedicated to collaborating across the Department to build a Nova Scotia educational system that is inclusive, equitable, culturally responsive, and a safe learning environment for all learners. 
 
For more information about EECD, please visit https://www.ednet.ns.ca

About Our Opportunity

We seek to hire a Provincial Safe Schools Consultant to join our innovative and dynamic team.
As the Provincial Safe Schools Consultant, you will be part of a dedicated team, with a primary focus on implementation of the Provincial School Code of Conduct as part of a broader Safe School Strategy that will focus on proactive and preventative approaches to reduce the occurrence of unacceptable behaviours in schools and maintain safe and caring environments for teaching and learning.

You will implement and monitor various initiatives in the areas of social-emotional learning, well-being, and safe and inclusive school communities in collaboration with Regional Centres for Education (RCEs) and le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP). Responsibilities include managing projects and related tasks, including researching, reviewing, maintaining data, correspondence, reporting, and other duties as assigned.

We are looking for a proven educational leader who is passionate about making a difference and has a strong understanding of equitable, student-centered and strengths-based practices that support positive school climate! This position is located within the Student Services and Equity Branch.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and manage key projects/initiatives.
• Provide leadership in identifying and promoting programs of prevention and intervention to support and promote student well-being and achievement (programs which support relational approaches and social and emotional literacy)
• Research and evaluate new developments and best practices in the development of safe, inclusive and equitable school cultures. 
• Work collaboratively across government, outside agencies, and with community in relation to initiatives and programs that support student well-being and safety.
• Consult with colleagues within/outside the province in relation to current trends and promising practices.
• Collect, review, research and compile reports and prepare correspondence as requested 
• Provide strategic support and insight for EECD and RCEs/CSAP staff in addressing issues arising in schools. 
• Support RCEs/CSAP to respond affirmatively to student requests to establish groups that support the safety and inclusion of marginalized children and youth.
• Ensure the simultaneous release of documents in both French and English and performs other related responsibilities as may be required.   
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have:

• A Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on Inclusive Education or Administration and Policy or equivalent
• A minimum of eight (8) years of successful and recent school-based experience including experience in developing and carrying out professional development, programs, services, and initiatives in equity education in Nova Scotia public schools.  
• A Bachelor of Education Degree or eligibility to be certified through the Nova Scotia Office of Teacher Certification
• Education leadership experience (coach/mentor, consultant, coordinator, school administration, or equivalent) is required.

Experience working with school-based staff and RCEs/CSAP in the areas of human rights education and safe and inclusive schools, cultural responsiveness, and the development of guidelines, strategies, and policies required.

You work well independently, and in team environments, you apply the concepts of equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusive practice to all areas of your work. You will support your colleagues in doing the same. You have extensive knowledge of the research principles of inclusive education. You can build productive relationships with non-governmental and governmental members (both internally and externally). You exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment when dealing with colleagues.

You are proficient in using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). You have strong interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), project management, and organizational skills. You pay attention to detail and accuracy while balancing priorities.

Additional asset (s) considered for this position include:

• Knowledge of the intersection of Nova Scotia’s Inclusive Education Policy with other social policy department strategies focused on child and youth development 
• Excellence in program design and evaluation skills
• Demonstrated work with equity-seeking groups resulting in effective outcomes
• Bilingualism (fluent in French and English)
  
  

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• May be required to work overtime on occasion.  
• Travel is required to attend meetings and offer services.
  
  

What We Offer

• Career Development, where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in; we have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths 
• Department-specific flexible working schedules.